Tuesday, May 6 2025 | Time 03:18 Hrs(IST)
States » EastPosted at: May 5 2025 10:17PM


Waqf Act a 'moral reset', says Union Minister Margherita

Aizawl, May 5 (UNI) Calling it a “moral reset” and a historic correction of past injustices, the BJP-led government’s Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, was highlighted as a landmark legislation during a sensitisation workshop organised by BJP Mizoram at Hotel Regency in Zarkawt on Mon
day.
The workshop was chaired by former Mizoram Legislative Assembly Speaker and Convener of the Waqf Bill Amendment Committee, Lalrinliana Sailo. State BJP President Vanlalhmuaka delivered the opening address, while State Spokesperson Lalremsangi Fanai conducted the felicitation session. The key address on the Waqf Bill was delivered by Union Minister of State for Textiles and External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita.
In his address, Union Minister Pabitra Margherita said that the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, passed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a significant reform that not only amends outdated laws but also corrects historical inaccuracies. The Act, he said, is intended to bring about positive change and promote social equity.
Margherita emphasised that the amended Act reflects the government’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and inclusive development. He stated that the new law is a critical step towards reducing long-standing socio-economic disparities and will help ensure equal access and opportunities for all, especially in matters related to ownership and utilisation of Waqf properties.
He further highlighted that the Act is not merely a legal revision but a pivotal move to uplift society. The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 was passed through a democratic process, following five months of extensive consultations.
These included 38 meetings of the 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), the review of 7,772 petitions, consultations with 284 stakeholders, and consideration of nearly one million online suggestions. The Bill was debated for over 25 hours in Parliament before being passed.
One of the major changes brought by the Act, according to Margherita, is the emphasis on inclusivity. For the first time, marginalised groups within the Muslim community such as Bohras, Aghakhanis, and backward-class Muslims will be mandatorily represented in State and Union Territory Waqf Boards. Furthermore, at least two Muslim women will now be appointed to every Waqf Board and the Central Waqf Council, a step aimed at fostering greater gender equality.
He added that the revised law places strong emphasis on women’s rights. Families can now ensure legal inheritance for daughters, widows, and divorced women from Waqf-linked properties. These changes are expected to foster ethical and transparent economic dealings, reduce gender inequality, and promote inclusive community development, thus transforming Waqf institutions into equitable tools for progress.
Margherita also stated that under the new law, only those who have followed Islam for at least five years can create Waqf properties, adding more clarity to Waqf administration. The 2025 amendment also aims to unlock the economic potential of Waqf assets through increased accountability and professional oversight. He noted that despite the vast resources held by Waqf institutions, only Rs 126 crore was collected nationwide in 2025—far below the estimated potential of over Rs 12,000 crore annually.
He further mentioned that digital governance would be a key feature of the amended Act. All Waqf records will be uploaded to a national portal, and registration will be streamlined to ensure transparency and efficiency. He described this as not just a legal reform, but a moral reset—laying the foundation for a new India grounded in justice, accountability, and inclusive development.
He concluded by reaffirming Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of India's northeastern states, including Mizoram, as integral to the nation’s progress under the concept of "Ashtalakshmi"—a reference to the eight eastern states as engines of growth.
Also addressing the gathering were Advocate Abdul Hussain, Advocate Lalhriatrenga Chhangte, and Rev. Lalramliana Pachuau, former Synod Moderator, who spoke on various aspects of the Waqf. UNI ZS SSP
Tags: #Waqf Act a 'moral reset'# says Union Minister Margherita
More News

Meghalaya: Vehicle Scrappage Policy to deliver multiple benefits

06 May 2025 | 12:19 AM

Shillong, May 5 (UNI) The Meghalaya government on Monday said that the Vehicle Scrappage Policy 2025 is expected to deliver multiple benefits, including the creation of employment opportunities through the formalisation of the vehicle scrapping and recycling industry.

see more..

Newborn rescued from alleged child-trafficking in Tripura, investigation underway

05 May 2025 | 11:56 PM

Agartala, May 5 (UNI) The Tripura State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and Tripura Police have launched separate investigation into a possible case of child-trafficking, after a five-day old girl was recovered on Monday from a family in the state’s Khowai district.

see more..

Small, medium traders condition worsened after BJP came to power: CPI(ML)

05 May 2025 | 10:56 PM

Patna, May 5 (UNI) Communist Party of India Marxist-Leninist (CPI(ML)) alleged on Monday that ever since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has come to power, the condition of small and medium businessmen has been worsening.

see more..
Calcutta HC orders interim stay on demolition of rooftop restaurants

Calcutta HC orders interim stay on demolition of rooftop restaurants

05 May 2025 | 10:54 PM

Kolkata, May 5 (UNI) The Calcutta High Court on Monday directed the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) to refrain from demolishing the rooftop restaurants and such eateries on commercial buildings across the city till further order.Hearing a petition filed by a restaurant owner on the city's fine dining hub, Park Street, the single bench judge Justice Gaurang Kanth, directed the city civic authorities to stop demolition of the rooftop structure and scheduled the case for further hearing on Thursday.

see more..

Waqf Act a 'moral reset', says Union Minister Margherita

05 May 2025 | 10:17 PM

Aizawl, May 5 (UNI) Calling it a “moral reset” and a historic correction of past injustices, the BJP-led government’s Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, was highlighted as a landmark legislation during a sensitisation workshop organised by BJP Mizoram at Hotel Regency in Zarkawt on Mon
day.

see more..